The University of Alabama announced on Tuesday a year-long celebration titled “100 Years of National Championships,” honoring the centennial anniversary of the Crimson Tide’s first national title and the historic 1925 Rose Bowl victory that forever changed Southern football.
The campaign, which officially kicks off this weekend at Bryant–Denny Stadium, will combine nostalgia and modernization — featuring tributes to the 1925 “Rose Bowl Champions of the South,” along with major stadium upgrades, including cutting-edge Wi-Fi infrastructure and the debut of a new game-day culinary item: “The Tusk,” a Conecuh sausage creation already drawing fan buzz.
Honoring a Century of Champions
Alabama’s 1925 team — coached by Wallace Wade and led by stars Johnny Mack Brown and Pooley Hubert — defeated Washington 20–19 in Pasadena, marking the South’s first Rose Bowl victory and a turning point in college football history. That triumph, historians often note, put both Alabama and Southern football on the national map.
“That 1925 team is where it all began — not just for Alabama, but for an entire region,” said Athletic Director Greg Byrne. “This celebration is about honoring that legacy while embracing what’s ahead. One hundred years later, we’re still building on the foundation they laid.”
Throughout the 2025–2026 season, Alabama will host themed events, including a Rose Bowl centennial exhibit at the Bryant Museum, special throwback uniforms, and halftime tributes to past championship teams. The university will also unveil a limited-edition “100 Years of Champions” logo that will appear on helmets, field banners, and merchandise.
Modern Comforts Meet Tradition
In a move sure to please fans, the university also announced the completion of a state-of-the-art Wi-Fi system at Bryant–Denny Stadium — an upgrade years in the making. Designed in partnership with Cisco and AT&T, the system provides full 5G and fiber-backed coverage, enabling high-speed streaming, mobile ticketing, and in-seat ordering capabilities across all 101,000 seats.
“Fans expect the best game-day experience in the country — and that’s exactly what they’re going to get,” said Byrne. “Bryant–Denny has always been iconic, but now it’s also one of the most technologically advanced venues in college football.”
The upgrade comes as part of a broader effort to enhance the in-stadium experience while keeping Alabama football at the forefront of innovation.
‘The Tusk’: A Culinary Tribute to the Tide
Equally headline-worthy is the debut of “The Tusk,” a new signature concession item created in collaboration with Alabama’s beloved Conecuh Sausage company. The half-pound smoked sausage — topped with house-made white barbecue sauce, grilled onions, and pickled peppers — will be served exclusively at Bryant–Denny Stadium.
“We wanted something distinctly Alabama — something fans can’t get anywhere else,” said Ryan Powell, UA’s Director of Food and Beverage. “The Tusk is bold, flavorful, and unmistakably Southern. It’s going to be a staple for years to come.”
Conecuh Sausage, headquartered in Evergreen, Alabama, has long been a staple of tailgates and family gatherings across the state. The company’s partnership with the university marks its first official stadium collaboration.
“Conecuh has been part of Alabama traditions for generations,” said company president John Sessions. “Being part of this centennial celebration means everything to us — it’s a way to honor our shared heritage of excellence.”
In addition to food and tech upgrades, the centennial campaign will feature a rotating lineup of Alabama football legends at each home game — from national championship captains to Heisman Trophy winners. Former players will participate in autograph sessions, halftime interviews, and on-field ceremonies recognizing their contributions to the program’s storied history.
A documentary series, “Built by the Bowl: 100 Years of Champions,” is also in production, chronicling Alabama’s rise from regional contender to national powerhouse. The series will debut on ESPN+ and SEC Network later this fall.
Legendary Coach Nick Saban, who guided Alabama to six national titles since 2009, said the celebration reminds both players and fans of the program’s deep roots.
“We talk about legacy all the time — about the players who came before and what they built,” DeBoer said. “That 1925 team set a standard of excellence that every team since has tried to uphold. Our job is to keep that tradition alive.”
From the roar of the crowd to the aroma of Conecuh sausage, Alabama’s centennial celebration promises to blend the old and the new — connecting generations of fans under one shared banner: 100 years of dominance, pride, and Southern grit.
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